NAHP is proud to support a new policy initiative that will aid immigrant students who want to live and work in the United States without fear of immediate deportation.
The Deferred Action Process being implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will allow students under the age of 30, who were brought to this country as minors and have been here for more than 5 years, to have the opportunity to apply for a Deferred Action Process and work authorization that could allow them to stay in the United States.
"This is a significant step toward decriminalizing students who have done nothing more than study, work, and become productive members of our society. We hope this brings a tide of acceptance and understanding that immigrants of all nationalities deserve the opportunity to realize the American Dream." NAHP President Zeke Montes said. "We urge President Obama and Congress to take up these issues in earnest, pass the DREAM Act, and finally push for fair and just Comprehensive Immigration Reform."
In order to qualify for consideration under the Deferred Action Process, per the Department of Homeland Security website, "individuals who demonstrate that they meet the following criteria will be eligible for an exercise of discretion, specifically deferred action, on a case by case basis:
1. Came to the United States under the age of sixteen;
2. Have continuously resided in the United States for a least five years preceding the date of this memorandum and are present in the United States on the date of this memorandum;
3. Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a general education development certificate, or are honorably discharged veterans of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;
4. Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety;
5. Are not above the age of thirty."
